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Owens CC JUCO Jamboree Recap

This past Sunday the coaching staff of Owens Community College hosted their annual JUCO Jamboree with teams coming from as far away as Canada to participate. Over forty college programs were in attendance from D1 to D3, including area mid-major programs Toledo, Bowling Green, Fort Wayne, Cleveland State, and Wright State. While we are fortunate enough in Northwest Ohio to have multiple quality basketball events, this one takes the cake year after year, this year was no different. Here is a recap of those who stood out throughout play on Sunday:

Derrik Jamerson Jr. (Owens CC) – Jamerson was special with his ability to shoot the rock on Sunday. Known as a 3-point specialist, he rebounded the ball well and pushed the tempo in transition. In one particular game he torched the nets for more than a half dozen triples. Had multiple D1 programs in attendance to watch him, including Rider and Fort Wayne who have both offered the standout from Detroit.

Jaylen Tucker (Owens CC) – Tucker who has already spent time on a D1 roster, looked the part of a prize D1 prospect throughout the day. His length and motor are undeniable. Was active on both ends, especially in the paint. Can finish around the rim, and can do so with authority. The young man from Columbus is a special talent and is a lock to land with at the very least a quality mid-major program down the road.

James Manns (Kingston Prep) – Manns is well known throughout Central Ohio as a bonifide ‘bucket getter’ and did just that with his play on Sunday. Has good size and good build, Manns scored it from all over the floor, finishing with toughness and craftiness around the rim. Can body up on the defensive end and use his size to his advantage. Was originally committed to High Point, should find himself with a program of that caliber or higher in the future.

Mason Durden (Owens CC) – Having seen Durden many times over the past 3 years he is not one that is unfamiliar, but Sunday was arguably the best Mason Durden I’ve seen. The difference was on the defensive end, where he locked up his opponent and flat out got after it, causing multiple turnovers all afternoon long. Also made his mark on the offensive, attacking the rim and getting numerous easy ones in transition, all the while knocking down the long ball with his improved consistency. The local product looked the part of a quality D2 point guard going forward.

Delo Hansbro (Schoolcraft College, MI) – Hansbro did a little bit of everything from the lead guard position for his squad and was a key to their success throughout the day. Standing under 6’ Hansbro is quick and can get the ball down the floor with ease, getting teammates involved and making plays. More of a pass first point guard he proved that he must be accounted for by opposing defenses with his ability to score it as well.

Armani Tinsley (Schoolcraft College, MI) – Tinsley combined with the aforementioned Hansbro to form one of the more impressive backcourts at the event. Using his supreme lateral quickness Tinsley is able to slash through defenses and distribute the rock at an effective rate. A capable shooter as well, his energy and communication make him an asset on the defensive end.

Cortez Allen (Cuyahoga CC) – Undersized as a post player at 6’5” Allen does a nice job of using his physical build to establish position and make his mark in the paint. His motor and competitiveness is contagious as he brings a lot of both every time he’s on the floor. A workhorse who should find his place on a D2 or NAIA roster someday.

Tarae Potter (Jackson CC) – Potter was impressive throughout the day as he brings a smooth presence to the floor. Has some swagger to his game and can affect a contest from all areas. Can slash to the basket and finish with creativity, but can also knock down the jumper consistently on out to the three-point line. Standing around 6’4” he uses his length to his advantage on the defensive end where he can get deflections eventually leaking out into transition.

Nikos Okekuoven (Spire Institute) – Hands down the best post prospect participating on Sunday, the big fella (6’11” 300) was dominant when matched up with anyone. Has good hands and can get up and down the floor well for his size. Showcased a soft touch and a capable elbow jumper. A load in the paint, who can clean the glass. Displayed great court vision and delivered a number of assists with behind-the-back and tough passes. Destined D1 talent, the only question is how high of a program does he end up with.